1. The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ahmad Bello Dogarawa as its new Secretary-General, following the demise of the former Secretary-General, Mallam Nafiu Baba Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on him).
2. The appointment of Professor Dogarawa represents a continuation of the Council’s commitment to strengthening its institutional leadership, advancing its objectives, and promoting the ideals of Islam through scholarship, principled engagement, advocacy and constructive participation in national affairs.
3. Professor Dogarawa is a distinguished Professor of Accounting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an accomplished Islamic intellectual whose scholarship and public engagements span Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic economics, non-interest finance, social development and national peace-building. He holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master of Banking and Finance from Bayero University, Kano. He is also a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA) and a Certified Management Trainer.
4. Over the years, Professor Dogarawa has contributed immensely to Islamic scholarship and the development of Muslim institutions in Nigeria. His engagement with the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria and other Islamic organisations, particularly in the areas of scholarly discourse, countering extremist ideologies, and promoting peaceful coexistence, has provided him with valuable experience and insight into the responsibilities of the Council. His extensive experience in university administration, institutional governance, policy formulation and professional development further equips him for the responsibilities of this important office.
5. The Council is confident that his wealth of experience, intellectual depth, commitment to Islamic values and longstanding contributions to the Muslim community will strengthen its institutional capacity and advance its mission.
6. As Professor Dogarawa assumes this responsibility, the Council calls on its members, Islamic organisations, Muslim scholars, traditional institutions and the wider Muslim Ummah to extend their cooperation and support to him in discharging the responsibilities of his office.
7. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the new Secretary-General wisdom, strength, sincerity and divine guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities, and continues to guide the Council towards fulfilling its mandate in the service of Islam, the Muslim Ummah and humanity.
8. The tremendous and selfless contributions of the late Mallam Nafiu Baba Ahmad to the cause of Islam and humanity will remain indelibly etched in the history of the Council and Nigeria at large. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his noble deeds as acts of Ibadah, rewards his sacrifices abundantly, and grants him eternal abode in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Sheikh Professor Bashir Aliyu Umar, OON
President, Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN)